Silymarin is a flavonoid complex pulled from milk thistle seeds. People take it mostly for liver and digestive support. Standardized extracts labeled at 70 to 80 percent silymarin are the norm in supplements.
Take silymarin with meals that contain some fat. Doing so improves how much your body absorbs.
Some groups need caution. Anyone with a hormone sensitive condition, anyone on drugs processed by the liver, and women who are pregnant or nursing should speak with a clinician first. This supplement can shift liver enzyme activity and alter how prescription medications work.